James J. Peterka, III Named Vice President of West Coast Operations

STERLING, VA. March 20, 2023 – 

Optimum Technologies, LLC (OpTech) has named James J. Peterka, III, Vice President of West Coast Operations, effective immediately. Mr. Peterka will report to Vice President of Operations Tim Rumford and will work closely with the leadership team managing product development and delivery, as well as helping guide the company’s strategy and future growth.

Mr. Peterka recently retired from Boeing Space and Launch Systems (SnL), where he served as Sr. Program Manager for Commercial and Government Satellite Systems in El Segundo, California. He focuses on new product design, development, production, and delivery of space vehicles for domestic and international customers. He has over 40 years of experience in engineering, program management, and new business on large aerospace programs. 

Mr. Peterka has managed the 702SP Space Vehicle Product Line since its inception in 2012, having deployed seven satellites to date, is a co-inventor, and holds patents on the all-electric propulsion satellite configuration. Recent assignments include Director of New Business, Program Manager, Launch Day Director on SES-15/SES-20/SES-21, and Launch and Mission Operations for WGS-F10. Prior experience includes design and development of the 702HP class of spacecraft and Space Vehicle Manager for National Space Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of California in Los Angeles and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California.

“We are excited to bring Jim on board to head up our OpTech West operations,” said Jeffrey Gick. “Jim and I worked together early in our careers. Jim allows OpTech to have a persistent presence on the West Coast.” (John Hildebrand and Jeffrey Gick founded Optimum Technologies in 2015).

About OpTech

OpTech is a Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) registered non-traditional contractor and a Small Business Association (SBA) member. OpTech offers multi-discipline aerospace engineering and program management services. Additionally, our subject matter experts architect and develop spacecraft, payload structures, and missions that support commercial and government needs. OpTech recently opened a spacecraft hardware integration facility in Sterling, VA. For more information about OpTech, visit www.optechspace.com.

Media Contact

Jennifer Baptiste, jennifer.baptiste@optechspace.com